Mission

A service oriented organization whose goal is to bring together GIS users, at all levels of public, private and education sectors, who are interested in the use and application of Geographic Information Systems.

“Map Your Career with GIS” offered as part of National Geographic Society’s annual Geography Awareness Week set globally for Nov. 13-17

The National Geographic Society (NGS) has promoted geographic literacy in schools and communities and among organizations with a focus on educating youth since 1987, and NGS’ annual Geography Awareness Week is scheduled Nov. 13-17, 2017. Locally, organizers are celebrating Geography Awareness Week with the19th annual GIS Day of the Coastal Bend, “Map Your Career with GIS,” on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Day is part of NGS’s initiative, Geography Action!, which is a year-long enterprise encompassing key educational achievements worldwide, including the Coastal Bend’s annual event in conjunction with Geography Awareness Week.

GIS technology is part of our lives and used every day by a variety of professionals in the workforce. From biology, construction technology, drafting and emergency medical services to engineering, fire-fighting, geology, law enforcement, social sciences and surveying, among many other fields, the use of GIS technology has been globally integrated to solve problems.

The technology allows users to see geographic features on a map and provides better understanding about specific locations. Planners, analysts and other users are then able to make more informed decisions regarding their communities or the industry in which they work.

Students, professionals and the general community can attend this year’s Coastal Bend GIS Day to learn more about GIS technology applications and see their use in action. The FREE event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Del Mar College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples.

Coastal Bend GIS Day organizers have developed two tracks for the event with Education Trackdesigned to build “GIS Awareness” among students and educators in 6th-12th grades and higher education and the other Professional Track to offer “Geospatial Technical Seminars” for professionals using the technology. The general public is welcome to participate in either track to learn more about how GIS & UAS technology impacts the community and the job opportunities that GIS and UAS applications provide.

GIS encompasses computer-based mapping tools that use information from databases about locations––such as streets, buildings, water and terrain––and turn that data into visual layers. GIS technology allows users to see geographic features on a map and provides better understanding about specific locations.

GIS Day participants can anticipate seeing GIS, Global Positioning System and Remote Sensing-Satellite technology in action. Both indoor and outdoor activities will give individuals hands-on experiences with assistance from GIS professionals and experts working in industry, education and government, along with other organizations utilizing the technology.

The event also features GIS and surveying information booths, seminars and presentations to draw a clear picture about what these advances in technology will really provide in our regional, industry, government and education sectors.

What are the career opportunities that are available in our area? Join us on GIS Day on Wednesday Nov. 15 to find out more. Map your Career with GIS